A cow shed is transformed

Rocombe Farm near Torquay got rid of its cows two years ago, and has been forced to diversify.

Over the past week it has filled its redundant farm buildings with paintings and sculptures produced by 50 local artists.

Suzanne Redstone of the Art Farm Project, said: "If the Tate Modern can use a big old electricity building, why not use a farm with its beautiful walls and energise them with the work of artists?"

The Art Farm offers a new way of experiencing contemporary art and appears to be highly valued by the artists themselves.

Artist Sally Anderson said: "A lot of artists are isolated and its very hard for them to show their work and for the public to see their work in a lovely environment."

Peter Redstone of Rocombe Farm, said: "The cows left two years ago because the pressure on a small-scale dairy farm was so intense.

"That has created redundant buildings, and that is true of many farms around the country."